If your familiarity with turmeric is limited to its use in curries and other Indian dishes, you may be surprised to learn it has had thousands of years of medicinal uses. In Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, the spice treats liver damage, including in people with hepatitis C and other forms of the illness. Before taking turmeric to treat your liver condition, speak with a trusted health-care professional who can inform you of its safety.
Medical Evidence
In the case of treating hepatitis C and other forms of the liver disease, the effects of turmeric remain unknown. Although the herb has a long history of treating liver function, not enough medical evidence exists to recommend it specifically for hepatitis C, MedlinePlus reports. If you choose to try turmeric to treat or improve liver function caused by the disorder, do so only after consulting with a knowledgeable physician who can advise on its safety for you.
How It Works
The precise mechanism by which turmeric helps improve liver function or otherwise improve your health remains unknown, although tests show the spice has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. If you have liver damage or a decrease in liver function because of hepatitis C, these properties may help improve your condition by preventing or reducing cell damage. However, most studies on the properties of turmeric were conducted in animals or in test tubes, and limited human data is available. Do not use turmeric to self-treat hepatitis C without first speaking with a medical practitioner.
Dosage
Safe dosing levels for turmeric depend on what form of supplement you use. In the case of powdered turmeric root, you can take 1 to 3 g daily, UMMC advises. If you use cut turmeric root, the safe dose stands at 1.5 to 3 g per day. For standardized extracts, typically encapsulated in pills or tablets, use 400 to 600 mg as often as three times daily. If you take a fluid extract, use 30 to 90 drops daily, or, for a liquid tincture, take 15 to 30 drops one to four times a day. Always speak with a doctor about the safe dose for you before using turmeric to treat hepatitis C.
Side Effects and Warnings
In the amounts consumed in foods, turmeric is considered likely safe, and at supplemental levels it is regarded as possibly safe, MedlinePlus reports. Some people develop nausea, diarrhea and other mild gastrointestinal complaints while taking the spice in supplemental form. Also, do not use turmeric if you have certain medical conditions because of potential complications. If you have gallbladder problems or a bile duct obstruction, the supplement can worsen the condition. It can also interfere with blood clotting, making it risky for people with bleeding disorders, those taking anticoagulant drugs and people scheduled to undergo surgery. Do not use turmeric medicinally unless you have consulted with a doctor who knows your medical history.
